LANETT, Ala. — Ashley Crane has been hired as the new executive director for the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, where she will oversee the day to day operations of the chamber.

She will officially begin Tuesday, May 2, 2016. Crane was assistant to the director of the Valley campus at Southern Union State Community College. Prior to her tenure at the Valley campus, Crane worked in the financial aid department and was the veterans affairs coordinator.

Crane has experience in recruitment, retention, event planning and has worked closely with local, state and federal agencies, creating programs and partnerships to serve the needs of the community college, states a press release from the chamber.

Crane earned a master’s degree in business administration at Troy University, a bachelor of science in business administration degree at Auburn University and an associate degree at Southern Union. Crane said she is excited to start the new position.

“The Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to providing the absolute best service for our members and the community,” Crane said. “I am thrilled for the opportunity, and I look forward to the work ahead in helping the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce become locally, state and nationally recognized for the wonderful area we serve.”

The chamber will host a meet and greet for Crane at Hampton Inn, 4210 S. Phillips Road in Lanett, at 7:30 a.m. May 4. The public is invited to help the GVACC to welcome its new executive director.

The Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce serves West Point in Georgia and Lanett and Valley in Alabama.